Pentagon Grounds An Undisclosed Number Of V-22 Ospreys Across Three Services Over Safety Concerns

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey performs deck landing maneuverers aboard Royal Australian Navy landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra (L02) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Royal Australian Navy / Petty Officer Christopher Szumlanski  

Defense One: Some Ospreys on Flight Restrictions Pending Part Replacement 

U.S. military limiting the lifespan of a gearbox part to address V-22 hard clutch incidents. 

The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force will implement a time limit on a gearbox part in the V-22 Osprey as part of the military’s efforts to resolve the aircraft’s hard clutch problem. 

Air Force Special Operations Command grounded their Ospreys in August because of concerns with the hard clutch, though the Marines and Navy continued flying the tiltrotor aircraft. AFSOC returned their Ospreys to the air in September. 

The flight hour limit comes from the V-22 Joint Program Office’s 24 initiatives to find solutions to the problem, the official said. “This recommendation was based on a progressive increase in these hard clutch engagement events. And from that, and looking at the totality of the data, we in recent weeks have been able to determine that this time limit was an appropriate step for us to take,” the defense official said.  

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Pentagon Grounds An Undisclosed Number Of V-22 Ospreys Across Three Services Over Safety Concerns  

Pentagon grounds 'subset' of Osprey fleet over safety concerns -- Breaking Defense  

V-22 Ospreys grounded over hard clutch issue -- Task & Purpose  

Undisclosed number of Ospreys grounded until clutch-related part fixed -- Defense News

US V-22 Ospreys Grounded Over Defective Clutch Parts -- Newsmax

CV-22 Osprey Aerial Refueling With KC-10 (Cockpit View)

Popular Mechanics: Watch The Harrowing Way A Osprey Refuels in Midair

It doesn’t look safe, but it’s done every day.

The V-22 Osprey is built to transport U.S. special operations commandos long distances, and mid-air refueling comes with the territory. This video certainly makes Osprey refueling look like a harrowing experience, yet this is a job the aircraft carry successfully out around the world every day.

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WNU Editor: Impressive.

The US Marine Corps Osprey Tiltrotor Craft Will Be Heavily Armed With Guns And Rockets

The Marine Corps hope to use the aircraft in a new role escorting mission in high risk areas until next generation 'supercopters' become available. Tests have already fired a range of weapons from the craft.

Daily Mail: The supercopter gets armed: Marine Corps begins testing rockets, guns and missiles on Osprey 'transformer' tiltrotor craft

* Marine Corps hope to use aircraft to escort missions in high risk areas
* Tests have already fired a range of weapons from the craft, including laser guided rockets and guns

The US Marine Corps has begun arming its radical V22 Osprey tiltrotor with rockets, guns and missiles.

The Corps hopes to use the aircraft in a new role escorting missions in high risk areas until next generation 'supercopters' become available.

Tests have already fired a range of weapons from the craft, including laser guided rockets and guns.

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WNU editor: Having extra fire-power in a warzone is always a good idea.

Marine Corps Proves Osprey Capabilities in Embassy Rescue Training Mission

How Did The CV-22 Osprey Aircraft Perform After Being Hit By Rebel Fire During Rescue Operations In South Sudan

Reports indicate three V-22 Ospreys were fired on while conducting an evacuation mission in South Sudan. (Bell Helicopter)

Sudan Demonstrates The V-22 Osprey Still Faces Operational Challenges -- Next Navy

So…the CV-22 Osprey chalks up more combat experience in Sudan, with three CV-22 Osprey aircraft apparently taking ground fire on descent into what was probably the Osprey’s first noncombatant evacuation operation (NEO). Four of the approximately 46 aboard were reportedly hurt, and the Ospreys aborted their mission and diverted to an alternative landing zone. (A good summary report is here)

Good thing is that the aircraft took hits and kept flying. I don’t know where the craft were hit, but the fact that these complex engineering showpieces flew for 550 miles after being hit is, at least, another positive demonstration that the airframe is a bit more tough and resilient than critics expected.

But…the mission was left undone, leaving us to again wonder if we are still seeing the services struggle to slot this specialized airframe into roles and missions for which it is–as yet–unsuited.

Given that the details are scanty, I offer a few items for speculative discussion:

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Update #1: Special Ops CV-22 Hit by Ground Fire in South Sudan, Personnel Injured -- Intercepts/Defense News
Update #2: 3 U.S. military aircraft hit in S. Sudan, 4 wounded -- Air Force Times/AP

My Comment: The above report is a must read on the effectiveness of the CV-22 Osprey aircraft in hostile environments.

Is The MV-22B Osprey Reliable?

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey lands at Hurlburt Field, Florida (USA), on 2 April 2006 on its way to an air show at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Wikipedia

Are The Marines Faking The Reliability Record of Their $54 Billion Superplane? -- Dan Lamothe, Killer Apps/Foreign Policy

When Marines landed an MV-22B Osprey in an open field at the Dare County Bombing Range in North Carolina in June, it looked like a routine mission. But a gaffe was made: The Osprey sparked a grassfire and was left parked on it. Initially, Marine Corps officials said the damage was minor. Not quite: the fire burnt the fuselage, leaving it a $79.3 million total loss, according to data released by the Naval Safety Center. Parts were later recovered for use on other aircraft, but that Osprey never flew again, Foreign Policy has learned.

The incident is emblematic of the struggles the Marine Corps faces with the revolutionary tilt-rotor aircraft, which takes off like a helicopter but flies with the range and speed of an airplane. While the military continues to add new missions for the Osprey abroad and has interest in selling it to allies, the program remains dogged by its deadly history and bad news -- much of it self-inflicted. The upshot: While the aircraft has found a variety of success on the battlefield, Marine Corps officials are still defending its safety and reliability record from skeptics. And not without reason: A couple of the Osprey accidents that the Marines swore were no big deal turn out to be very big indeed.

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My Comment: Another great post from Dan Lamonthe.

VM-22 Ospreys Deployed For The First Time In Support Of A Presidential Flight

MV-22 Osprey. Wikimedia

Marine Corps Deploys Ospreys For First Time In Support Of Presidential Flight -- The Hill

The Marine Corps on Saturday said MV-22 Ospreys were deployed for the first time in support of a presidential flight aboard Marine One.

Marine Helicopter Squadron One, the military unit responsible for transporting President Obama and top administration officials, said in a statement that the premiere combat aircraft carried White House staff members, reporters and Secret Service agents during a flight to Martha’s Vineyard.

The aircraft, built by Bell-Boeing, is designed to take off and land like a helicopter and fly like a fixed-wing plane.

Marine Helicopter Squadron One, based in Quantico, Va., is transitioning from CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, which date back to the Vietnam Era, to the MV-22s.

The squadron will complete its transition to the Ospreys during the next 12 months.

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My Comment: Even First Dog Bo was a passenger aboard one of these flights .... nothing but the best for this dog.

MV-22B Ospreys Refueling (Video)

Video by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

MV-22B Ospreys and a KC-130J Hercules, both with Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 261, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct aerial refueling training operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th fleet area of responsibility. The training consisted of MV-22B Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers conducting aerial refueling with the 24th MEU's KC-130J Hercules to practice the skills needed for long-range flight operations.

Hat Tip: Theo Spark

100,000 Protest In Okinawa over U.S. Osprey Deployment

Hybrid: A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey flies in hover mode in this undated file photo. KYODO

Japanese Protest 'Defective' U.S. Aircraft -- UPI

OKINAWA, Japan, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Thousands of Japanese protesters in Okinawa marched Sunday against the deployment of U.S. Osprey helicopters they consider unsafe.

The demonstrators allege the MV-22 Osprey dual-rotor helicopters are a risk to military members and civilians on the ground because of a history of crashes, the military Stars and Stripes news agency reported.

Most recently, a Marine Corps Osprey was forced into an emergency landing Friday in North Carolina because of an oil leak.

Japanese protesters allege the Osprey is fundamentally flawed and shouldn't be deployed over Japan.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2012/09/09/Japanese-protest-defective-US-aircraft/UPI-74451347207135/#ixzz261gwqNFc

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More News On Japanese Protests Against The U.S. deployment Of The MV-22 Osprey

Thousands rally against US deployment of Osprey aircraft on Japan’s Okinawa island -- Washington Post/AP
Tens of thousands protest Osprey deployment plan to Okinawa -- Stars and Stripes
Over 100,000 protest in Okinawa against U.S. Osprey aircrafts -- Japan Daily Press/UPI
Still No Luck for the V-22 in Japan -- Time

How Safe Is The MV-22 Osprey?

How Safe Is The MV-22 Osprey? -- Popular Mechanics

A fatal crash of an Osprey in Morocco this week means more bad press for military aviation. But look at the record: Despite its controversial reputation, the Osprey is actually the safest Marine Corps rotorcraft in combat. We got a firsthand look at the aircraft by visiting a training mission; check out the video below.

The tragic MV-22 Osprey crash in Morocco that killed two Marines this week is likely to reopen the debate about the controversial aircraft's safety. The Osprey earned its bad reputation during its development, when 30 Marines died in three crashes, including 19 in a single 2000 accident in Arizona, and its detractors no doubt will point to this crash as further evidence of its untrustworthiness.

There is no solid information about the cause of the latest crash. But before rushing to judge the Osprey, here's what you should know:

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My Comment: After the initial setbacks and problems, it has logged the hours to give it the reputation of reliability that it has. Unfortunately ... accidents do happen .... which (until we have more information) appears to be this case.

V-22 Osprey Crash In Morocco Kills 2 Marines

An MV-22 Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (Reinforced) lands aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima on Dec. 2. An Osprey from the unit crashed April 11 in Morocco, according to Corps officials. Lance Cpl. Michael Petersheim / Marine Corps

2 Marines Killed In Morocco Osprey Crash -- Marine Times

Two U.S. Marines were killed and two severely injured in the crash of an MV-22 Osprey during a training mission in southern Morocco, the Marine Corps confirmed Wednesday.

The Osprey reportedly crashed in a military training area southwest of Agadir, Morocco, after taking off from aboard the amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima, said Capt. Kevin Schultz, a Marine spokesman at the Pentagon in Washington.

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More News On Today's Osprey Crash In Morocco

Marine Osprey Crashes During Exercise in Africa -- Military.com
V-22 Osprey Crash In Morocco Kills Two -- Aol Defense
Two U.S. soldiers die in helicopter crash in Morocco -- Reuters
2 Marines Killed, 2 Injured In Osprey Crash In Morocco -- NPR
2 US Marines killed, 2 injured in Morocco -- AP
Two US soldiers dead in Morocco crash -- BBC

V-22 Osprey Operating Budget Goes "Sky-High"

V-22 Osprey

Marine Aircraft Plans In Peril As Tiltrotor Costs Soar -- Danger Room

The cost for the Marines to fix and fly their full fleet of V-22 tiltrotors has grown by nearly two-thirds over just four years, according to a Pentagon estimate. In 2008, the Defense Department calculated the “lifetime” cost of operating 360 V-22 Osprey transports at $75 billion over roughly 30 years. Today the figure is more than $121 billion — a 61-percent increase.

The rapidly escalating bill could could not come at a worse time for the Marines and Osprey-makers Bell and Boeing. The Marines are struggling to pay for an ambitious, carefully coordinated aviation modernization plan, elements of which have begun to unravel all at the same time. And that’s not even taking into account the looming prospect of deep defense cuts.

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My Comment: Oh-oh .... this puts the V-22 Osprey program in the budget cutters eyes.

Falling In Love With The V-22

A V-22 Osprey lands at a forward operating base in Afghanistan, while a C-17 Globemaster air craft waits to take off, June 5, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

V-22 Vertical Aircraft Gets Rave Reviews -- The Hill

NEW YORK — Military and industry officials rave about the V-22 tiltrotor’s performance in Afghanistan but know they need to show the aircraft is worth its high price tag.

The Marine Corps are flying V-22 Ospreys in theater and “it’s more effective than we expected,” Maj. Gen. Jon Davis, Second Marine Corps Air Wing commander, told reporters here recently. “We have only scratched the surface with this aircraft. … “We’re doing things with the V-22 we did not plan to do.”

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My Comment: With each plane going for about $65 million .... any future buys will be limited.

What Caused The April Crash Of An V-22Osprey Aircraft

Two generals are at odds about the cause of a CV-22 crash in April that killed two of the three cockpit crew members and two passengers. Brig. Gen. Donald Harvel, the accident investigation board's president, believes engine problems were at fault; Lt. Gen. Kurt Cichowski, to whom Harvel answered during the investigation, blames aircrew errors. Air Force

Generals Clash On Cause Of April Osprey Crash -- U.S. Air Force

In a rare public display of disunity, two generals are at serious odds over the cause of a fatal aircraft accident.

The April 9 crash in Afghanistan was the first loss of a CV-22 Osprey in combat. Two of the three cockpit crew members — pilot Maj. Randell Voas, 43, and flight engineer Senior Master Sgt. James Lackey, 45 — died attempting a night landing at a desert landing zone. The co-pilot survived; he has not been indentified. Also killed were a soldier and a contractor — two of 16 passengers in the cargo compartment.

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My Comment: It looks like some independent minds must now be hired to investigate this accident.

Pentagon Pleased With V-22 Performance In Iraq And Afghanistan

Pentagon Pleased With V-22 Osprey's Performance -- Reuters

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. military is pleased with the performance of the V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft in Iraq and Afghanistan, but is still working hard to improve its readiness, the Pentagon's program manager said on Tuesday.

Marine Corp Colonel Greg Masiello told reporters that the V-22 or Osprey built by Boeing Co (BA.N) and Textron Inc's (TXT.N) Bell Helicopter unit, had not missed a single operational mission since its first deployment.

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My Comment: For a critique on the V-22, I would recommend the following book review on the V-22 story from the Washington Post.

The MV-22 Osprey Finds Purpose In Disaster Relief

MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit launching from the USS Bataan. (Photograp by Benjamin Chertoff)

From Popular Mechanics:

Can the much-maligned tilt-rotor aircraft earn respect on the job?

USS Bataan—After a couple of days working just under the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan you begin to recognize the signature sounds of various helicopters: The high-pitch rip of an HH-60 Knighthawk, the deep, rapid drum beat of the giant CH-53D Super Stallion or the rhythmic song of a UH-1 Huey. So the crew of the USS Bataan, outside Haiti, knows when something new lands onboard. Seconds after a bass-drum vibration shook the ward-room lounge, an excited Marine officer stuck his head in and announced "The Ospreys are taking off! Let's go up to the top of the island and watch!"

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My Comment: A puff piece on the Osprey .... after billions spent they now have a mission .... which only lasted a few days.

Loose Bolts Grounded Ospreys; Fix Underway

V-22 Osprey

From DoD Buzz:

All 84 Ospreys were temporarily grounded following the discovery March 21 of four loose bolts in a V-22 in Iraq.

“This is a temporary grounding bulletin issued strictly as a precautionary measure,” NavAir’s V-22 spokesman Mike Welding said Tuesday evening.

“If one of those came lose in flight, the worst case scenario you would lose control of the affected prop rotor,” he said, adding that no planes had been affected in flight. “Our priority first and foremost is safety.”

Four planes have had problems with the bolts, which help control the prop rotors. Two of those planes are back in the air, Welding said. The repairs take two days, he said.

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My Comment: Not a good sign .... not a good sign at all.

V-22 Osprey: The Multi-Year Program

Photo from FAS

From Defense Industry News:

The V-22 tilt-rotor program has been touted as the future of US Marine aviation. It has also been beset by controversy throughout its 20-year development period. Crashes that have killed more than 20 Marines, and engine stalls have not been good publicity for the program. Issues with their AE1107C Liberty engines in Iraq that may lead to the end of Rolls Royce’s Power By the Hour® maintenance arrangement, or even replacement of the Liberty engines altogether.

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V-22 Osprey (Photo from FAS)

Helicopter-Plane Osprey Faring Well In Iraq -- Seattle PI/AP

ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- After a troubled history, the V-22 Osprey - half-helicopter, half-plane - has been ferrying troops and equipment across Iraq for just over a year without a major incident.

Critics say the Osprey, which was designed to replace transport helicopters, lacks firepower for defense in heavy combat.

But pilots say the Osprey makes up for that in speed, which one of them says can take the plane "like a bat out of hell" to altitudes safe from small-arms fire.

Since arriving at this sprawling desert base in western Iraq, a dozen Ospreys have been ferrying troops and equipment at forward operating bases. One even took around Barack Obama during his tour of Iraq earlier this year.

But on only a handful of occasions has the aircraft faced any serious enemy fire.

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My Comment: When this aircraft was first developed, critics were having a field day in taking this plane apart. Maybe in the end .... this helicopter/plane will be the ugly duckling that turned into a swan.